The man is thought to be one of three brothers involved in the killings in central Paris.

Caught up in the frayed nerves and tension in Paris, as the city tries to reclaim its way of life, is the Today Show’s Karl Stefanovic who just minutes before going to air with this morning’s Today Show had a terrifying brush with fear. Minutes before he was due to appear live on air a mass panic saw police clear the streets after what is reported to be an incident in the Place de la République in the centre of Paris.

The scene where Karl was just before this morning’s show.

Twitter reports at the time claimed a loud bang was heard in the area, and footage showed hundreds of people fleeing the square in panic.

Karl Stefanovic, who is live on the streets of Paris, from outside Le Carillon bar, said there was a “flush of widespread panic” as police responded. He was in an area away from the Place de la République but was asked to leave his post.

BREAKING: Reports authorities are clearing Republique plaza, which was filled with people. No reason at this stage. #ParisAttacks#Today9

Karl said that past 24 hours had been a “pretty good day for Paris people had started to reclaim their streets and then this happened. It’s indicative of where Paris is, they know there are more offenders out on the streets.”

He said the city was on edge.

.@karlstefanovic had to leave his post after panic at a memorial in Paris. He's safe, we're LIVE there in a couple of moments. #Today9